Greenpeace activists penetrate Noble Energy's Ashdod terminal

The terminal is one of Israel's most sensitive strategic sites.

Greenpeace activists moved around one of Israel's most sensitive facilities undisturbed for 90 minutes before they were caught by the guards. At 7 am today, six Greenpeace activists tried to break into Noble Energy's natural gas terminal at Ashdod. The terminal, which covers an area of over 100 dunam (25 acres), is one of Israel's most sensitive strategic sites, and damage to it could bring down the electricity grid, and put the country in the dark.

The activists, dressed up as the sun, sought to warn and protest against what they call Israel's over-reliance on natural gas from the Tamar gas field. They used ladders to climb over the fence to break into the terminal. The ladders activated the facility's warning system. At the same time, Greenpeace notified the police about the entry into the facility's area.

The facility's guards stopped two of the activists, and another two were caught shortly afterwards and handed over to the police. But Greenpeace says that the third pair of activists remained in the facility for 90 minutes, and moved around freely until they were caught and handed over to the policy. All six activists were detained for questioning and released.

Gas from Tamar, which began flowing in April, currently generates half of Israel's electricity. Many have warned against the great risk in relying on natural gas so long as it flows through a single network with no back-up. Hezbollah has threatened in the past to attack Israel's gas pipeline network.

Noble Energy Inc. (NYSE: NBL) said in response, "The Greenpeace activists were handed over to the police. The matter is being investigated with the appropriate parties."

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on June 3, 2013

© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2013

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